Michelin-Starred Latin Restaurant Cariño Is a Lively Fine Dining Party | Eater Chicago

"I found it to be one of Chicago’s most exciting fine dining destinations, a Michelin-starred Latin standout where Chef Norman Fenton balances deep respect for Latin American tradition with a drive to innovate. The seasonal tasting menu is a memorable splurge worth the price (starting at $200 per person), and standout courses include a ravioli filled with huitlacoche and bathed in corn foam, finished with fried corn silk, freeze-dried corn, popcorn, and cornflower over a truffle butter sauce; a playful michelada course that dresses an oyster with Clamato pearls and Modelo foam to instantly evoke the cocktail; and chicharrón dusted with barbecue spices served with a bowl of foamy esquites sauce for dipping. I recommend snagging a counter seat to watch Fenton and his team in action; his conversations with guests and an upbeat Latin soundtrack give the meal the feel of a lively dinner party. Insider tip: at 10 p.m. the restaurant shifts to a taco omakase—eight courses for $125 that highlight the in-house masa program and include alcoholic beverages—offering a more accessible way to experience the place." - Jeffy Mai